REALTORS® can't Discriminate, but a Buyer Can? Double Standard?

1. You are licensed and they are not.

2. This is about trust...they trust someone of their own faith.  As poorly placed as that trust may be at times, it was requesite to work with them.

3. For a non religious person to attempt to understand the drive behind a religious persons belief would be like asking a 3 year old to understand the workings of the combustion engine. 

4. the very idea of trusting "someone" when clearly diety matters to these people is not an objection to overcome.

BTW, it's a tough question because, while you have the right to say "I prefer not to answer", their belief system likely says that if you were a devout and practiced Christian, you would proclaim it from the hill tops and not defer when asked. 

I have always been curious about the dynamics of advertising and marketing directed at a specific group - gay/lesbian, African-American, Hispanic, Chinese Americans, etc.  It seems easy to run afoul of anti-discrimination provisions (whether derived from code of ethics, licensing statute or fair housing laws).  Here is my question:  real estate professionals can't discriminate in the provision of services.  Did the agent who was attempting to arrange the referral violate the anti-discrimination provisions?  I don't know - but it does raise a question.  I don't see how it would be any different than a listing agent who allows the seller to dictate who is allowed entry to a house for showings.

It's not discrimination to want to use people you can identify with and trust.  Thats the cleints requirements. 

I've never been asked that.

I would not choose to work with anyone who based their decisions solely/primarily on religious preference.

Different strokes.

Donna,

I guess I would side with Ron here. I am not religious, and though I would not be happy with the question, I understand that people may have the right to ask it, and to choose.

And principals can do a lot of things that we, as agents, can't. We can't write contracts, and they can. We have to avoid creating documents as this could be practicing law without a license, and they can

Well, they are Principals

Kathleen took the words out of my mouth.  I have never been asked that question.  I have represented someone who does not believe in Jesus but believes in God.

Why would it bother anyone, simple question yes or no and you answered it and there you go. I know of some that would have lied.

I'm not an atheist and nor would I want to work with one that didn't want to work with me. IS that wrong NO, their choice. I keep a bible on the console of my Hummer and my Charger because I read my bible when I am waiting for someone or delayed for any reason.

When have become a country of folks always worrying about what others think. I have had folks invite me to their homes to list and we discover Off topic magazines and the first thing (because usually they have been referred or a past client) is they start to apologize and before they can say it, I say hey don't apologize to me you and your wife are the ones that live here. I'm a guest and will be quickly selling your home so you can pack and move.

I just had to come back and take a look to see what others thought. I am thrilled at the answers. I especialy like rons, charles and russ answers.

deb short

www.debshort.com

Hi Donna ~ Thank goodness this sort of thing doesn't happen in my neck of the woods.  I find it appalling and am really taken aback that the agent asked you - it strikes me as completely inappropriate.  Not that it would happen but if I were asked by a buyer to do this sort of screening I would emphatically decline and tell them why.

I agree with Ryan's comment - I've always been uncomfortable with marketing that's directed at certain groups.  It just doesn't seem kosher.   

I have heard of this sort of religious based segregation in business and find it very disturbing. As others have mentioned, it strikes me as antithetical to religious teachings. Not to mention unnecessary.

Liz

Personally I think it stinks! I think it is petty.   But...the customer is always right (in the sense that they can do business with whomever they choose)  Knowing that this was such an issue with those buyers should make you feel better that someone else gets to deal with them. 

Going off of what Ryan said - it's the same as a gay or lesbian couple only wanting to work with a g/l agent, or an Asian person only wanting to work with an Asian agent. Technically YES it is discrimination. Because they are choosing not to work with someone else solely based on their affiliation with the group they hold strongest to them.

And no I gurantee these same people do not walk out of a resturaunt if the owners aren't Christians - so it's pretty ridiculous in my opinion - and I'm a Chrisian. Its like haivng those little Ichthus phone books (ps I have gotten ripped off twice from companies bearing the Ichthus symbol)

It should have been about your qualifications - but in this industry I have seen stranger things happen. I had someone choose me because I was female and under 40 and she felt more comfortable with that - now thats a discrimination double whammy!!! I also lost a listing because I wasn't Buddist, which I wasn't sad over because I wasn't sure how to market a home with a golden budda that literally took up the majority of a room...so in all things let it roll off your back and realize ultimately it wasn't a good match.

Donna,

its your choice not to be a Christian, and it's the clients choice not to use you if thats their belief or concern.

I wouldn't discriminate against you for not being a Christian, doesn't mean I have to agree with you or anyone about religion beliefs.

Or you don't have to agree with me or anyone else about Christian beliefs.

Everyone has their rights to their own beliefs. I can tell you this much, I may not go to church every sunday, maybe not monthly, but I believe God is every where, I can pray anytime. He will listen.

If I had a realtor tell me to take my Bible off my table, and put away my Angels, I'd tell her theres the door, don't let it hit you!

Unfortunately, there are no rules for being a customer/client. They can decide who to do business with for any reason what so ever. Is that right? Well, it shouldnt be, but it is what it is.

People have the right to believe waht they believe. I agree the agent should have done her homework upfront. I wonder what grocery store, Pharmacy, Dr's & any all all businees they parton, is the same question asked??

God walked with all types, not just his disciples and worshipers.

Donna:

I must say that it is not common what happen to you, but many buyers pick their own cultures as well. It is common for buyers in many nationalities to stay among their own. It is human nature in same way.

I don' t think it is right, but it is a fact of life.

Richard

I suspect that this buyer is using this common belief  as a way to find an agent that they can trust.  I guess that is as good a way as any other--I tend to work with a lot of people who have a common  belief that kids should be involved in sports and extracurricular activities.

Unfortunately, there are good and bad people in all walks of life and with every set of beliefs. I hope that, ultimately, this buyer finds some one that they can trust (and not just because they go to the right church).

Donna, I have been asked that in the car with buyers. I am a Christian and so were they so there wasn't any friction but I see when there are opposites it brings out an uncomfortable feeling and they are discriminating based on religious preference. You just have to be YOU Donna and be good with it. I agree with what Holly said there are good and bad of all stripes and this was definitely discrimination.

I thought about this post as I communicated with one of my clients the other day. She is Jewish - in her words she is "VERY Jewish". I'm not - she is part of a huge synogauge and could have easily found a Jewish REALTOR. She's great and we get along famously - I have learned alot about her and the Jewish faith and I'm happy to learn.

I agree with everyone that said it's their choice and their right - well that is obvious. But I think it's sad when we can't get out of our bubble long enough to actually live with everyone else in this world.